A collection of entrepreneurship programs to support area small businesses advanced in September.

The breakdown: More than $2 million from the city will go toward:

• A small business interest loan buydown pilot program

• Matching revolving funds for crowdfunded small business loans

• A contract with The University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business to develop a new small business pitch competition

In total, the programs are expected to assist scores of Austin small businesses over several years.

Students at Gus Garcia Young Men's Leadership Academy in East Austin now have access to AR/VR, 3D printing and AI tools after Austin ISD unveiled a Verizon Innovative Learning Lab at the school Sept. 24.

Why it matters: The program was created to give students at Title I middle schools digital skills, according to Arizona State University. Students use design thinking to solve problems in their own communities.

The details: The lab at 7414 Johnny Morris Road is one of 200 nationwide. Verizon funded it with two partners:

• Heart of America redesigned the space.

• ASU's J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute provides curriculum and teacher training.

Garcia joined Verizon's Innovative Learning Schools program in 2019. Every student and teacher there gets a device and up to four years of data, according to the district.

Austin City Council gave final approval Sept. 24 to rezone the former Rosedale School site, clearing one of two hurdles for a proposed 435-unit, six-story apartment complex.

AISD agreed in 2025 to sell the campus to developer OHT Partners for $26 million as the district works to close a budget shortfall, according to previous Community Impact reporting.

What happened: Council approved the rezoning on all three readings, according to the city's action notes. District 10 Council Member Marc Duchen was the lone no vote. Because neighbors filed a valid petition against the rezoning, it needed a supermajority to pass.

The zoning allows OHT's proposed 435-unit plan but does not approve a specific project. District 7 Council Member Mike Siegel said a smaller compromise development would also require the MF-6 zoning because of the city's site-area rules.

What's next: The sale still depends on AISD winning its lawsuit against Rosedale-area homeowners over a 1938 deed restriction. That case remains unresolved in Travis County District Court with no trial date set, according to the district's project website.

Check out six trending stories in the Austin area from Sept. 21-24.

1. Event center slated for site of old pharmacy at Parmer and Whitestone

2. Nana B's Country Kitchen showcases slow-cooked family recipes near Round Rock, Hutto border

3. Texas Roadhouse to open in November in Georgetown

4. Tacodeli plans new Dripping Springs location

5. ARA Diagnostic Imaging opens Leander location

6. Fritz Park holds grand opening in Hutto